Perth County OPP Warning of Paving Scams

Web posted on May 13, 2014

(MUNICIPALITY OF WEST PERTH, ON) On Saturday May 10, 2014, a West Perth resident contacted the Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) to report a possible paving scam.

At around 2 p.m., a male person drove a small car onto the resident's driveway. The male advised the resident he worked for a roadway construction company out of Mississauga. He said that his company was involved in road construction along a local Provincial Highway and that they had surplus asphalt. He offered to pave the resident's driveway for $2,500 however the resident had to let him know within an hour for the deal to work.

The resident did not trust the male and checked on-line to see if this presentation followed other scams, which it did. The resident also called the 905 area code number provided by the man, and spoke to "John".

The resident asked information about the man who had earlier been on the driveway and made further queries about the jobsite location. The line went dead at this point. It is believed that John was the male who was on the driveway earlier. He is described as Caucasian 6'0'' tall, slim build, wearing a construction vest an orange hat, and blue jeans.

With the warmer weather, scammers will be going door-to-door offering numerous services such a paving, and roofing. If someone comes to your door, ask to see some identification. If you are interested in what this person has to offer, take time to find out about their business and their offer.

To Prevent Frauds:
1. Always get at least three quotes on any project around the house, regardless of the service or product being sold.

2. Never sign a contract without checking the credibility of the company or person selling the product or service. Get references from other customers to ensure quality of work.

3. Elderly persons or those with little business experience should never sign a contract without running it by a trusted family member, friend or neighbour.

4. Never fully open or unlock your door to anyone you don't know. Talk through a locked or secured door if you don't know their identity. If you don't want them at your door, tell them to "go away". If they don't, call the police.

5. Report suspicious persons or activity to police immediately.

There is no magic to preventing fraud. If something sounds too good to be true, or seems a little "weird", it probably is. Trust your instincts, not the stranger at your door!